Mining Camp attack...Trial adjourned to October 19, as owners grapple with Millions $$ in loss

Mining Camp attack…Trial adjourned to October 19, as owners grapple with Millions $$ in loss

Jul 25, 2015 Court Stories, Features / Columnists, News

Four men on Wednesday appeared in the Mahdia Magistrate’s Court before Magistrate Allan Wilson to have their trial date set. The date is now October 19, when statements are slated to be filed.
The case is rooted in an armed attack on a White Water Backdam mining camp that resulted in multi-million dollar damage and an operator being shot to the head earlier in the year.
The four men- Jason Critchlow and Quincy Critchlow, of 164 Soesdyke, East Bank Demerara (EBD), Troy Pellew, of 430 Mocha Arcadia, EBD and Godfrey Christmas, of Supply EBD, face several charges stemming from the attack, which took place on May 10.
One charge reads that May 10, at White Water Backdam, the four maliciously wounded Ray Murray, the operator, with intent to maim, disable or disfigure him. It is further alleged that the quartet discharged a loaded firearm at Murray, with intent to maim, disable or disfigure.
The other charge alleged that the men unlawfully and maliciously damaged a Turbo engine valued at $2.5M, a Perkins engine valued at $4M and 12 drums of diesel fuel, property of Mario Figueira. They are currently out on $150,000 bail each on all three charges.
The case was first called on Monday, July 13, only to be put off until Wednesday. The trial was subsequently postponed until October 19, when the statements will be filed on behalf of the defendants. On this announcement being made, the main witness and dredge owner, Figueira, interjected by offering to facilitate the statements being filed.
However, the offer was rejected by the court.
Immediately after being informed of the next court date, Figueira then reported the actions of former Guyana Defence Force (GDF) Battalion Commander Lt. Col Jaswick Williams, who had made an approach to the couple earlier in the day. Williams is said to be the head of Tessouro Resources security arm. Figueira also expressed fears for his safety and a desire to file a report with the police.
The defendants, called back into the chambers to hear the fresh accusations, were subsequently reminded to keep their distance from the complainant.
A group of shotgun toting security guards attached to the Tesouro Resources mining camp launched an attacking on the Figueira’s mining camp, which is operated by Mario Figueira and his wife Alisha. Tessouro is reported to be owned by Guyana-born Canadian Mining magnate Dean Hassan.
The file on the case was sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions, who advised that charges be brought against the four defendants.
The attack which took place at District H45, Konawaruk, was partially caught on video.
According to the Figueiras, they were allowed to carry out their mining operations on the land. He alleged that after rumours circulated that the land was producing large quantities of gold, Tessouro started encroaching on their portion of land.
It is reported that the attack left excavator operator, Ray Murray, with gunshot wounds to the head. It is also alleged that the terror squad roamed the mining camp, shooting at mining equipment within their sight as terrified workers sought refuge.
The Figueira’s, who were once the owners of Wonderland Tours, are having a hard time coming to grips with the fact that the attack has left their livelihood in tatters. The couple, who are adamant that they will not re-enter mining after their experience, were also granted an injunction naming Hassan and one of the defendants, Quincy Critchlow.
The order in effect freezes any assets the Mining tycoon might have on the ground. Three dredges, four blocks of mining land and a car were named on the injunction.
Meanwhile, it is also expected that the couple will file a civil case, claiming damages (including punitive). According to the couple, they will be suing for in excess of $200M.
“Right now we are suffering!” The couple, in a recent interview, told Kaieteur news. “We can’t sleep, we get nightmares. It’s mentally fatiguing and we don’t know if we can work after this or open another business, in Guyana.”
The couple has also indicated a desire to have the case transferred back to Georgetown, expressing little faith that justice will be served in Mahdia.

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Mining Camp attack…Trial adjourned to October 19, as owners grapple with Millions $$ in loss

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